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Clarkson, John

John Gibson Clarkson
Born: July 1, 1861, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Died: February 4, 1909, Belmont, Massachusetts
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
Worcester Ruby Legs (1882), Chicago White Stockings (1884-1887), Boston Beaneaters (1888-1892), Cleveland Spiders (1892-1894)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee: 1963
Biography: 

Though he played just 12 Major League seasons, John Clarkson was a standout among 19th-century pitchers. His wide variety of curveballs and his outstanding ability to pitch to the batter's weakness propelled him to a lofty 327-177 career record. He won 53 games in leading the Chicago White Stockings to the 1885 National League pennant and twice hurled over 600 innings in a season. At the time Clarkson retired from the game, he was the winningest pitcher in National League history.

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Did You Know: 
that John Clarkson won 30 or more games six times, a record second only to fellow Hall of Fame pitcher Kid Nichols' seven seasons of 30 or more victories?
I faced him in scores of games and I can truthfully say that never in all that time did I get a pitch that came where I expected it or in the way in which I guessed it was coming.
Sam Thompson